Spinach:Spinacia oleracea Phytochemicals and Constituents.

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Historical Uses of Spinach.

Spinach Extract INCI Name Spinacia Oleracea Extract CAS 90131-25-2 EINECS ELINCS No 290-336-6aqueous spinach extract Spinach leaf extract Green Spinach extract spinach alcoholic extract photo picture image A widely cultivated southwest Asian plant (Spinacia oleracea) having succulent edible leaves.
 The leaves of this plant, eaten as a vegetable.
 [Middle English, from Old French espinache, from Medieval Latin spinachium, from Arabic isfanah, from Persian espenaj, espenakh.]

 Spinach originated in Iran and was found in China by 64 A.D., and in Spain by 1100 A.D. Spinach was brought to American shores by the colonists.

 spinach, annual plant (Spinacia oleracea) of the family Chenopodiaceae (goosefoot family), probably of Persian origin and known to have been introduced into Europe in the 15th cent. It is valued as a vegetable for the high vitamin and iron content of its leaves, and numerous varieties of the species are cultivated. New Zealand spinach belongs to the family Aizoaceae. Both families to which spinach plants belong are classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Caryophyllales.

 Spinach Originating in the Middle East, spinach was being grown in Spain during the 8th century, and the Spaniards are the ones who eventually brought it to the United States. Popeye's addiction to this power-packed vegetable comes from the fact that it's a rich source of iron as well as of vitamins A and C. But because spinach contains Oxalic Acid,which inhibits the body's absorption of calcium and iron,the truth is that its nutritional value is somewhat diminished. It's this same oxalic acid that gives spinach its slightly bitter taste, which is prized by some while others find it off-putting. Spinach has dark green leaves that, depending on the variety, may be either curled or smooth. The smaller New Zealand spinach has flat, spade-shape leaves that are often covered with a fine fuzz. Fresh spinach is available year-round. Choose leaves that are crisp and dark green with a nice fresh fragrance. Avoid those that are limp, damaged or which have yellow spots. Refrigerate in a plastic bag for up to 3 days. Spinach, which is usually very gritty, must be thoroughly rinsed. Frozen and canned spinach is also available. Spinach may be used raw in salads, or cooked (usually by boiling or sauteing) and used as a vegetable or as part of a dish. Many dishes that use spinach as an integral ingredient are appended with the phrase A La Florentine.
 Spinach Extract INCI Name Spinacia Oleracea Extract CAS 90131-25-2 EINECS ELINCS No 290-336-6aqueous spinach extract Spinach leaf extract Green Spinach extract spinach alcoholic extract photo picture image

 History and Archeology:

 Spinach originally came from Persia (now Iran) where it was known as "aspanakh".

 Spinach originated in Iran and was found in China by 64 A.D., and in Spain by 1100 A.D. Spinach was brought to American shores by the colonists.
 By the 1300s, it had spread to Europe and Britain where it was popular in religious communities, particularly during Lent.

 It was being cultivated in North America by the early part of the 19th century. In recent times, it has been popularized by the cartoon character "Popeye", who attributes his amazing strength to a daily diet of the green leafy vegetable.

 Spinach was first cultivated in central Asia, perhaps in Persia, and the word itself derives from Persian Esfenaj. It was introduced to Europe by the Arabs in the late Middle Ages, and it soon surpassed all other leafy greens in popularity.

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citations1.Spinach:Spinacia oleracea Phytochemicals and Constituents.

last edit date:25th,June.2009.